Quick Facts
Biography
Lee Gonzales (born 1950) is an American politician from the Michigan. Gonzales is a former Democratic Party member of Michigan State House of Representatives. He represented the 49th District, which is located in Genesee County and includes part of the city of Flint.
Early life
On February 19. 1950, Gonzales was born in Floresville, Texas.
Education
In 1979, Gonzales earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies/Urban Administration in University of Michigan-Flint. In 1985, Gonzales earned an Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. In 2003, Gonzales earned completed a program in Civic involvement at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Career
Gonzales served as assistant director for the Spanish Speaking Information Center in Flint.
He formerly served as Michigan Department of Agriculture administrator, Gov. James J. Blanchard's office liaison, U.S. Representative Dale E. Kildee's staff assistant and 13 years in Genesee County, Michigan government.
In 1997, Gonzales became an Assistant Treasurer of Genesee County, Michigan, until 2004.
On November 2, 2004, Gonzales won the election and became a Democratic member of Michigan House of Representatives for District 49. Gonzales defeated Dan Parks with 69.92% of the votes. Gonzales served as chairman of the House Transportation Subcommittee, vice-chairman of the Higher Education Subcommittee and on the Joint Capital Outlay Subcommittee. On November 7, 2006, as an incumbent, Gonzales won the election and continued serving District 49. Gonzales defeated Bill Kelly with 75.23% of the votes.On November 4, 2008, Gonzales won the election and continued serving District 49. Gonzales defeated Aron Steven Gerics with 100% of the votes.In 2010, due to term limit, Gonzales did not campaign for District 49. He was succeeded by Jim Ananich.
On August 3, 2010, Gonzales ran for the vacated County Treasurer position uncessessfully. Gonzales was defeated by Deborah Cherry.
Personal life
Gonzales' wife is Brenda Gonzales. They have three children. Gonzales and his family live in Flint, Michigan.